Minimum PTE Score for New Zealand in 2025-26: For Study, Work and PR
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Minimum PTE score for New Zealand in 2025-26 is a crucial requirement that international students and professionals need to be familiar with, specifically those who are aiming to study, work, or settle in NZ. As of early 2025, undergraduate applicants generally needed an overall PTE score between 50 to 57, while postgraduates and skilled migration applicants required a higher score, typically above 58.
In this article, we will break down the detailed PTE score requirements for New Zealand in 2025-26, along with details on category-wise requirements, helping you effectively plan your PTE exam preparation.
Minimum PTE Score for New Zealand Visas
The New Zealand PTE score requirements differ based on the immigration pathway, programs chosen by students, etc. The details of the PTE score requirements for different immigration purposes are as follows:
1. PTE Score for New Zealand Student Visas
If you are planning to study in New Zealand in 2026, then you would also be expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements set by university admission requirements and Immigration New Zealand. Depending on the study level, the minimum score could also vary as mentioned below:
|
Particular |
Details |
|
For Undergraduate Courses |
Minimum PTE 50 score (Overall) or At least 42 in each section |
|
For Postgraduate Courses |
Minimum PTE 58 score (Overall) or At least 50 in each section |
Learn in detail about what makes studying in New Zealand stand out. Explore our guide to Why Study in New Zealand? the must know benefits for international students
2. PTE Score for New Zealand Work Visas
The PTE score requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), depends on the ANZSCO skill level. These include:
|
Particular |
Minimum PTE Score Required |
|
ANZSCO Level 4 - 5 |
29 (overall) |
|
ANZSCO Level 1 - 3 |
Not mandatory |
However it is important to note that most of the work visas in NZ generally accept 42 - 50 PTE score and high skilled occupations minimum PTE score requirements for NZ ranging up to 58 - 65.
3. PTE Score for New Zealand Skilled Residence Visas (PR)
If your long term goal is to see yourself settled permanently in New Zealand, you need to meet the INZ’s English language requirements or standards for residency visas such as for the Skilled Migrant Category or for Straight to Residence Visa. The PTE score requirements for PR in New Zealand include:
|
Particular |
Minimum PTE Score Required |
|
Principal Applicant |
58 (overall) |
|
Partner of Dependent Children (16+) |
36 (overall) |
PTE Score Requirements for New Zealand Universities
New Zealand is home to some of the top universities as per the QS World University Rankings 2026. However each university has its own requirements for New Zealand PTE score for admissions. Let us explore the top universities in New Zealand and the PTE score requirements for 2026:
|
University |
QS Ranking 2026 |
PTE Score Required for 2026 |
|
The University of Auckland |
65 |
50 - 65 |
|
University of Otago |
197 |
50 - 65 |
|
Massey University |
230 |
58 - 64 |
|
Victoria University of Wellington |
240 |
50 - 64 |
|
University of Canterbury |
261 |
50 - 64 |
|
University of Waikato |
281 |
36 - 65 |
|
Lincoln University |
407 |
50 - 58 |
|
Auckland University of Technology |
410 |
50 - 58 |
How to Choose Your Target PTE Score for New Zealand for 2025-26?
To effectively meet the minimum PTE score for New Zealand requirements you need to plan your preparation strategically. Here are a few necessary takeaways that could guide your PTE exam preparation:
- For undergraduate courses try aiming at least PTE 50 overall, however a safe zone would be securing a PTE score of 55
- For postgraduate courses students should try for at least PTE 58 overall score, however a safe zone would be securing a PTE score of 60 to 65
- For prospective New Zealand PR applicants ensure to secure an overall PTE score 58 and above to stay eligible.
- For work visa applicants ranging between ANZSCO 4-5 ensure that your PTE overall score is no less than 29
Read Next: PTE Tips & Tricks, For Securing a High PTE Score in 2025
PTE vs IELTS for New Zealand: Which Test Should You Choose?
Both Pearson Test of English (PTE) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are accepted for New Zealand university admission, student visas, work and immigration process.
However, the two English language tests differ in format, scoring, and evaluation method. The detailed comparison of PTE vs IELTS has been listed below to help you decide which one suits best for your immigration needs.
|
Feature |
PTE (Pearson Test of English) |
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) |
|
Test Format |
Computer-based |
Paper-based & Computer-based |
|
Sections |
Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
|
Speaking Test |
Recorded responses via computer |
Face-to-face with an examiner |
|
Scoring System |
10–90 scale, AI-driven automated scoring |
0–9 Band Score, human evaluation |
|
Test Duration |
Around 2 hours |
2 hours 45 minutes |
|
Result Time |
24-48 hours |
3–13 days (5 days for computer-based, up to 13 days for paper-based) |
|
Acceptance |
Accepted in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK, USA & more |
Globally-recognized, including universities & immigration bodies |
|
Difficulty Level |
Convenient for tech-savvy test-takers; AI scoring can be strict |
More subjective; speaking relies on human interaction |
|
Writing Tasks |
Essay writing, summarising text |
Essay writing, report/letter writing |
Fulfil Your Immigration Aspirations to New Zealand With GetGIS Assistance
The ultimate minimum PTE score for New Zealand in 2025-26 varies depending on your goal and program requirements. While universities typically require PTE 50 to 58 overall, New Zealand immigration sets 58 overall as a benchmark for permanent residency.
If you are looking for further guidance on university admissions, visa requirements, and Immigration assistance for New Zealand, reach out to GetGIS. Our immigration assistance team can help you with step-by-step support from preparation to visa filing and more, so that your dream of moving to New Zealand becomes a reality.
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